Media Release
New Photography Commission with Powerhouse and Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Announced
A new photography co-commission that showcases the rich and diverse night-time culture of New South Wales has today been announced by Powerhouse and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner at the 2024 NEON Forum.
Four NSW photographers have been selected to capture a series of photographs taken across Sydney’s Inner City, Western Sydney and Regional NSW that depict the diversity and breadth of contemporary nightlife. The images will contribute to a photographic record that will be used to promote the vitality of NSW and will be exhibited in 2025.
Photojournalist Andrew Quilty is a six-time Walkley Award winner, including the Gold Walkley, journalism’s highest honour. He is best known for his thought-provoking documentation of the impacts of war on communities, including in Afghanistan, where he spent a decade before recently returning to Australia.
Northern Rivers photographic artist Tajette O’Halloran’s work has been recognised internationally and published in The New York Times, the British Journal of Photography and Australian Geographic. As a two-time finalist in the National Photographic Portrait Prize, her work offers a nuanced glimpse of small town and regional culture.
Illawarra-based photographer Anthony Rigby-Smith is a proud Dunghutti man. Storytelling is key to his creative practice, which aims to document First Nations people, culture and Country through photography and film. He has worked with a range of organisations, including Common Ground, Gadhungal Marring and the University of Wollongong.
Jade D’Amico is a photographer who draws on her Argentinian and Italian heritage to explore memory, identity, and community in her practice. Her work, and her subjects, show a deep connection to youth culture, music and community in South West Sydney. She works across fashion, music and event photography, and has made work for Pania, Billy Maree, Jesswar, Astrophe Magazine and Vice AU.
NEON Forum, held in Sydney yesterday and today, is hosted by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, bringing leading night-life global experts together to discuss the future of night-time economies.
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said, ‘Through the lens of these photographers, Powerhouse and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner look forward to illuminating the wonderfully diverse communities within NSW while showcasing our vital night-time culture and uplifting the incredible artists within it.’
24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said, ‘The images captured by these photographers will tell stories of people and place that are unique to NSW. Our story. We are delighted to support this initiative and join forces with the Powerhouse to support the valuable work of these talented NSW photographers as they capture the exciting ways our state shines at night.’
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About Powerhouse
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.2 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the new museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to the Powerhouse Collection.
About The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner
The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner is committed to building safe, vibrant and diverse 24-hour economies statewide. Underpinned by the 24-Hour Economy Strategy, dedicated teams in Programs, Policy, Engagement and Strategy are working to implement initiatives and programs that support this vision. By collaborating with industry, initiatives such as the Vibrancy Reforms, Uptown District Acceleration Program, Live Performance Venue Program, Special Entertainment Precincts and Purple Flag aim to benefit everyone across NSW, positioning the state and Sydney as global leaders in the night-time economy.